~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Grammy’s pearl necklace~
still warm from her collarbone,
now cool in my hands,
each bead a closed eye.
Pop’s pocket watch still ticks,
though no one winds it~
his thumbprint smudged
on the glass like a ghost.
Mom's wedding ring
left on the windowsill,
collecting sunlight
and fingerprints.
These things I cherish
but never use,
these small,
heavy ghosts.
Always kept her hands busy ~
Mastered quilting embroidery crochet so many crafts
Now arthritis claims the day
Wordku: 5-7-5 words
AP: 1st place 2025
Some families have heirlooms
Passed down often through the years
So their legacy will not be one
That somehow disappears.
Whether jewelry or furniture
Or curios or art,
Certain objects in a family
May play a vital part.
There might even be some squabbles,
For inheritance is rife
With the problems of possessions
Valued in a person’s life.
Though my heirlooms weren’t many
From the family reservoir,
I am proudly in possession
Of my grandma’s cookie jar.
red poinsettias
brighten antique bubble lights
holiday treasures
12/15/2020
Contest: Hi-Ku 2
Sponsor: Brian Strand
Heirloom events are often solemn occasions
Weddings, high school or college graduations
Grandfathers take sons or grandsons aside
To bequeath his pocket watch with pride
Slowly he'll raise the timepiece to his ear
Pause and listen to the ticking gears
He'll dangle the chain, click cover to open
Reverently hold the beloved token
Peering at crystal face with serious affects
Both mentally count second hand’s ticks
With nod of head, grandfather might relay
Special words of wisdom in his own way
I remember with fondness my own ceremony
Granddad’s advice more valuable than money
“Thing about time sure to help you through...
Is be where you are whatever you do”
Thanking my Granddad, we shook hands
In hindsight I know I did not fully understand
Years swiftly passed with many tick tocks
Today I give my son Granddad’s pocket watch
Original Written Jan. 17, 2016
Revised April 20, 2018
Early Childhood Memory Contest -
By Line Gauthier - Any Rhyme Form - April 24, 2018
First Place
Family heirlooms
Some collect old art pieces, jewelry or photos.
Others, end tables, organ benches, or beds
If it belonged to Grandma or Grandpa it’s a keeper.
Especially fancy needlework and piecework spreads.
And if it belonged to way-back generations,
Better hide it from inquiring siblings.
Like an antique trunk full of precious junk,
Be ready for some serious quibbling.
An agate marble with variegated colors,
A bone handled knife with Grandpa’s carved notch,
Grandma’s wedding ring many memories bring,
As does Uncle Henry’s gold pocket watch.
Many collectibles and few places to keep them.
We hold on tightly like a determined fanatic.
If embedded memories bring such pleasure to treasures
Why do they inevitably drift to the garage or attic?
Oh sanguine
lost hopes
and
dreams
each ornament renews
kisses, laughter, loved ones remembered
each ornament renews
victories, struggles, from bounty to barren
each ornament renews
cradle to grave, sweet memories rush back
each ornament renews
strength to survive, with loved ones near
each ornament renews
oh sanguine
fresh hopes
and
dreams
each ornament renewed
james marshall goff
Opal grandmother eyes,
watery milk glass veins
in stick arms
throb weakly,
tense tight white thread
into frayed, thin quilts.
There is a slight rustle
of desperation, a hope
of completion
as smudged pigeons
shatter wind
and winter gives up
its gin clear grace.
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